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Review: The Preacher's Bride by Jody Hedlund

Back cover: No matter the sacrifice, Elizabeth Whitbread would serve a wounded family. No matter the danger, John Costin was determined to speak God's word. Neither expected to fall in love. As enemies threaten to silence Costin--and those close to him--will following their hearts cost John and Elizabeth everything?"

I've been following Jody Hedlund for quite a while now and was thrilled when her debut novel, The Preacher's Bride came out. It is a historical fiction novel based on the life of John Bunyan (writer of Pilgrim's Progress) and his wife, Elizabeth. Hedlund took creative license and wrote an story that is so touching and emotional, it catches and pulls you in and won't let you go until the very end.

The setting, 17th century England during the time of the puritans. John Costin's wife dies during childbirth, leaving him with 4 children to care for. Elizabeth volunteers to care for the children and comes to care for them. Even though she comes from a strict household, she has a big heart and finds unconventional way to help others. She soon comes to love John, but has been promised to another. And she will not break her vow. John is a puritan preacher and stands by his convictions. He is determined to fight the royalists no matter what happens. Their story is beautifully written, takes your breath away at times and other times, makes you want to jump into the pages and get involved. I highly recommend it.

Check out Jody's website here where she loves to talk about writing and always has much wisdom to share. Plus check out an excerpt of The Preacher's Bride. She has a new novel coming out in September that I can't wait to read - The Doctor's Lady.

4 comments:

Oh, this one does sound excellent, and I had no idea that it was even out there! I might just have to see if I can find this book and grab my own copy. The synopsis and your reaction to it have totally sold me. Fantastic review! Thanks for sharing it!

I'd heard of this, but dismissed it because I'm not usually into "Christian Lit" - but, it sounds REALLY good! I'll put it on my To-Read list now. Thanks for not letting me miss out on a potentially great read.